A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, has disclosed how he was recruited and paid to carry out attacks on worshippers in Maiduguri, revealing grim details of the group’s operations.

Ibrahim made the confession after he was arrested by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside local hunters in Yobe State. He admitted to his role in the December 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, which left five people dead and 32 others injured.

According to him, the attack was directed by Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains. He told interrogators that he travelled to Maiduguri with two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under instructions from commanders identified as Adamu and Abubakar, with the initial target being the Izala Mosque.

He said the explosives were planted after the Zuhur and Asr prayers, with plans to detonate them during Maghrib prayers when worshippers would be fully gathered. In a disturbing revelation, Ibrahim claimed he later returned to the scene disguised as a civilian, helping to evacuate victims after the blast.

The suspect further revealed that suicide bombing has become a paid task within the terror group, with operatives receiving between N70,000 and N100,000 per mission. He claimed he was paid N100,000 for the Gamboru attack.

Expressing remorse, Ibrahim said: “I regret my action for killing innocent people who did not commit any crime.”

Investigators said he was part of a wider terror network planning multiple attacks across the North-East, involving factions such as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru, and JNIM. A notorious IED expert, Munzir Abu Ziyadah, was reportedly responsible for coordinating up to ten suicide missions from the Ali Ngulde camp.

After the Gamboru bombing, Ibrahim allegedly carried out reconnaissance in parts of Yobe State for future operations. He also admitted attempting to carry out another attack near Izala Mosque, Tashan Joni, but said he was unable to do so due to heightened security.

Security forces have since placed the North-East on high alert, increasing protection around mosques, markets, and other vulnerable locations. Authorities say the confession has provided valuable insight into Boko Haram’s recruitment, funding, and operational tactics, underscoring the importance of sustained intelligence-led operations and community vigilance.